Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  4000 Creation  »  4900 Time  »  4948 hour

One twelfth of the period of daylight between sunrise and sunset. Measurement of time in biblical days was often approximate, referring most frequently to the broad divisions of time marked by the third, sixth and ninth hours. The term also denotes a significant or appointed moment or period of time, especially the hour of Jesus Christ's suffering and his return.

Hour as a period of time

A measured interval

John 11:9 See also Matthew 20:9-12 The working day lasted twelve hours; Luke 22:59; Acts 19:34; Revelation 8:1

Symbolising a brief time

Matthew 6:27 pp Luke 12:25 See also Matthew 26:40 pp Mark 14:37

God's judgment will come quickly: in a single hour:

Revelation 17:12; Revelation 18:10,17,19

Symbolising a significant period

Ecclesiastes 9:12 See also Luke 22:53 Darkness provides an hour of opportunity for the powers of evil.

Hours denoting specific times of day

Matthew 20:3-5 The third, sixth and ninth hours marked the principal divisions of the day.

The third hour: 9 a.m

Mark 15:25 See also Acts 2:15

The sixth hour: noon

John 4:6 See also Genesis 43:16; 1 Kings 18:27; Job 5:14; Matthew 27:45 pp Mark 15:33 pp Luke 23:44

The ninth hour: 3 p.m

Matthew 27:46 pp Mark 15:34 See also Acts 3:1; Acts 10:30

Midnight

Exodus 11:4 See also Psalm 119:62; Matthew 25:6; Mark 13:35; Acts 16:25

Other hours of the day

John 4:52 the seventh hour: 1 p.m; John 1:39 the tenth hour: 4 p.m; Matthew 20:6 the eleventh hour: 5 p.m.

A particular unnamed time of day

Matthew 8:13 See also Matthew 15:28; Luke 22:14; Acts 16:33; Revelation 11:13

Hour as an appointed time in God's purpose

The hour of Jesus Christ's suffering

John 12:23-24 See also Matthew 26:45 pp Mark 14:41; Mark 14:35; John 12:27

The unexpected hour of Jesus Christ's return

Matthew 24:36 pp Mark 13:32 See also Matthew 24:42-44 pp Luke 12:39-40; Matthew 25:13

The time before Jesus Christ's return

Romans 13:11 See also 1 John 2:18

The hour of God's judgment

Revelation 14:7

See also

2530  Christ, death of
4903  time
4921  day
4969  seasons
5046  opportunities
8490  watchfulness
8602  prayer
9140  last days
9210  judgment, God's